LiFE draft notification released; register your objections, suggestions

ATM News Network: The Ministry of Environment and Forests has introduced a groundbreaking initiative known as the Green Credit Programme, aimed at incentivizing environmentally conscious practices and promoting a sustainable lifestyle called 'LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment). The government has now invited suggestions from agriculture industries, companies, and institutes regarding the recently proposed "draft Green Credit Programme Implementation Rules 2023," which will serve as the foundation for this innovative scheme.

The notification highlights the central government's decision to establish a domestic voluntary market mechanism called the Green Credit Programme. This program was initially announced in the Union Budget 2023-24, with the objective of encouraging individuals and companies to prioritize environmental well-being through responsible actions. Under the purview of the Environment Protection Act, the Green Credit Programme will serve as a framework to motivate and reward eco-friendly behaviour.

The Objections or suggestions, can be addressed to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh road, New Delhi - 110003, and may be sent to e-mail id: sohsmd-mef@gov.in.

The Green Credit Programme aims to leverage a competitive market-based approach for Green Credits, incentivising voluntary environmental actions by various stakeholders. Individuals, private sectors, small-scale industries, cooperatives, forestry enterprises, and farmer-produce organizations will be eligible for incentives under this program. The objective is to create a market-based mechanism that provides Green Credits to entities such as Farmer Producer Organizations, cooperatives, forestry enterprises, sustainable agriculture enterprises, Urban and Rural Local Bodies, private sectors, industries, and organizations for environment-positive actions.

In addition to incentivizing individual and community behaviour, the Green Credit Programme aims to encourage private sector industries, companies, and other entities to fulfil their existing obligations by taking actions that align with activities relevant to generating or purchasing Green Credits. These tradable outcomes will serve as incentives, rewarding the voluntary environmental actions of various stakeholders.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has invited agriculture industries, companies, and institutes to provide their valuable suggestions and feedback on the draft Green Credit Programme Implementation Rules 2023. This collaborative effort will ensure that the final rules and regulations are comprehensive and effective in promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding the environment.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their suggestions and feedback to the Ministry of Environment and Forests within the specified timeline. By actively participating in this process, agriculture industries, companies, and institutes can contribute to the development of a robust and inclusive Green Credit Programme that will benefit both the environment and the stakeholders involved.

For more information and to submit suggestions, please visit the Ministry of Environment and Forests' official website or contact their designated representatives.